Anyone Able To Identify This Tsuba?

[Scripps]

This Tsuba is for sale locally. Wondering if it worth picking up or if it’s just a piece made for the tourist market. Any info would be much appreciated.

 

Scott

[J Reid]

Looks like an iaito koshirae Tsuba. Probably made in Japan. However it looks average quality and probably not hand made. A couple bucks would be okay.. but not worth much, IMO.

[Scripps]

Thanks for the quick reply. This one is also available. No marks so I assume it’s not worth picking up either.

[ROKUJURO]

Scott,

the quality of an item has nothing to do with the signature. Look closely at the TSUBA and ask yourself if you like what you see. If you are no expert, the most important step is to compare with high quality item from reliable sources. NMB offers a lot of material to learn from! 

Don't buy unless you know what you are looking at! 

[Grey Doffin]

Hi Scott,

My opinion, for the little it is worth, is that both tsuba are handmade and that both are late (late Edo at the earliest).  The 1st appears to be silver and of better quality than the 2nd, but both are real and shouldn't be dismissed offhand.

Grey

[Ken-Hawaii]

Scott, like with anything you buy, knowing what to look for is key, & knowledge is power. In lieu of buying books & studying, I suggest that you check out Grey's Web-site above (he even has a convenient link) on which he has posted excellent-quality tsuba, among other things, & where you'll KNOW that the tsuba are authentic.

[Greg F]

To be honest i dont mind the 1st one.

 

Greg

[Higo-san]

I am with Grey here - the first one appears to be a nice late Edo / Meiji period tsuba. The material is strange, however - could be silver or maybe it has lost its original patination. It is signed „道暁作“ meaning Michi(?aka?tsuki?) Saku. The signature looks to be engraved and - from what I can see from the pictures - the dragon fish is also quite nice - just take a closer look at its eye.

 

Best,

 

Chris

[vajo]

I like that dragon in wave tsuba the first one. Looks not bad, and not like a tourist piece. If you can make a picture without flash. I'm sure it looks very nice.

Grab it if the price fits for you.

[Leporello]

@ Chris K.:

I think, you´re absolutely right with your evaluation ... with one exception: I think, the second kanji is a ´sato´   

 

@Scott:

If you don´t like that dragon, just send me a note!

 

Best,

Tom